This article will explain why getting an eSIM in China will benefit you in multiple ways.

In this day and age, with technology continuously evolving, you can avoid paying roaming charges to stay connected in China; getting set up with an eSIM for China is the solution! 

Whether travelling around multiple regions of China or sticking close to the big cities, eSIM China includes excellent coverage throughout this diverse country. 

Let’s go! Why eSIM is the best SIM card in China

Choose a China eSIM data pack to suit your needs

Depending on the duration of your trip in China and whether you will use wifi service whenever possible, these factors will determine what eSIM China data plan you should choose.

If you plan to use wifi during your travels in China (hotels and cafes usually offer this option free of charge), then you should go with the minor plan, 1GB for $5, valid for 7 days, or 3GB for $11.50, valid for 30 days.

Or, if you primarily rely on phone coverage for your data, choose a plan that includes more data.

For example, this 5GB eSIM data pack for $16.50, valid for 30 days, or the most significant available China eSIM available, the 10GB for $28 data pack.

If you need more data, use the Airalo App in minutes to top up online. I like that you quickly choose to pay via Apple Pay or with the option of charging it to your saved Credit Card in your Airalo profile. 

It’s so very convenient and inexpensive at the same time; wait and see.

eSIM China: How much does it cost?

Airalo offers the best rates you’ll find online for China eSIM. Not only that, they provide international eSIM for 190+ countries worldwide.

As a frequent traveller, and the first Australian woman to visit every country, eSIM has been a game-changer for me.

Once you’ve used this product and see how convenient and affordable it is, you’ll realise that eSIM is the BEST way to stay connected worldwide.

RELATED POST: The Best eSIM for International Travel

Data Plans Currently Available for eSIM in China:

• 1GB for $5.00, valid for 7 days
• 2GB for $8.50, valid for 15 days
• 3GB for $11.50, valid for 30 days
• 5GB for $16.50, valid for 30 days
• 10GB for $28, valid for 30 days
• 20GB for $49, valid for 30 days

Travelling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card. We love this card; it has saved us so much in fees.

Get a Wise Card

eSIM for China is so convenient

China can be chaotic at times, and the language barrier is challenging.

Once you land at your destination in China and immediately connect to the local carrier, it’s such a relief.

For visitors, this means instant connection to order DiDi (aka “Uber in China”) straight from the airport. You won’t need to haggle with taxi drivers and touts, those guys can get pretty difficult to deal with at times.

I suggest you check out my post on how to avoid 6 common tourist scams in China to understand what I’m talking about here.

Furthermore, if you’ve got your China eSIM activated and on, then you can access google maps to follow navigation and even reserve that last-minute hotel room on Booking.com if you need to.

Getting organised and downloading the best SIM card for China before your arrival will benefit you considerably. 

However, if you’re still wondering what an eSIM is and how it works, this post will explain it in plain English.

Download an Airalo eSIM for China, saving you time, hassle, and stress.  

How to download China eSIM, the best SIM card for China

Airalo eSIM China offers the lowest rates available for data; furthermore, the data packs are easy to get onto your device. 

Download the Airalo app, purchase the right data package, and follow the steps to activate the eSIM for China before you arrive. Simple.

Important: Your device must be compatible with eSIM. Please check this list to see if your device supports eSIM before purchasing any Airalo eSIM.

Here are a Few Tips: 

• Before arriving in China, switch from your current mobile provider to the Chinese eSIM provider. Don’t worry; there is a step-by-step guide on how to do it during installation.
• Once your eSIM card is activated, turn off data for all apps you don’t use and those known to use a lot of data. Apps such as Instagram, YouTube, and Netflix will eat through your data quickly, so only access that once you reach your hotel and use the free wifi. 
• And, if you want the freedom to instantly send those videos home to friends and family of you chowing down on the best dumplings on that Authentic Local Food Tour of Shanghai, or the highlights from your day exploring the Great Wall of China, the best Chinese sim card, eSIM China works like a charm. 

Note: If you run out of data – no problem! 

Buy more data on the Airalo app within minutes and keep exploring this exciting country.

Keep your physical SIM card in your phone

Another bonus of downloading an eSIM for China is that you do not need to remove your physical SIM card. eSIM is digital, it’s embedded inside your phone.

Why is this such good news? Having an eSIM in your device means you won’t risk losing your tiny SIM card (as it stays inside your device); it also means you can receive your messages from home.

In addition, your friends and family can text and call you on your original cell phone number through data-calling apps (Whatsapp, FB Messenger & FaceTime, to name a few). 

Another plus is that once you purchase the China eSIM, you can navigate the Airalo app in English. 

So there you have it – eSIM China is a popular choice for staying connected for your adventures in China. 

Regional eSIM to Travel in Asia

One of the things I love most about Airalo eSIMs is that they offer Regional eSIMs and Global eSIMs too.

This means that if you’re planning to do a region of countries at once (let’s say South East Asia for example), then your best bet would be to buy a regional Asialink eSIM. 

It means that if you’re travelling through multiple countries in the same region at once, then the one Asialink Regional eSIM (which covers 13 countries) is all you need to stay connected as you travel around.

The Asialink eSIM covers China (Macao), Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Seriously, it’s excellent value!

Are you ready to try eSIM? To make the switch from physical SIM to eSIM, remember to apply your discount below to your first eSIM purchase.

Get $3 off your first eSIM purchase with our referral code

SAVE $3 when you buy an eSIM for China or any other Airalo eSIM. Use our referral code: RACHEL5045, to get $3 off your first purchase! 

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

You may enjoy reading about 10 of the most bizarre foods in China, but know that this nation has some seriously good cuisine!

If you have the time, I recommend you take the train and visit Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors. The ancient city of Pingyao was delightful. We loved our trip here, especially exploring the Old City.

And don’t miss our recommendations on what to eat in Pingyao while you’re there.

Are you looking for a new adventure? Please read about our Overland Trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu for inspiration for onward travel after China.

Some of you may be interested in learning more about North Korea, the neighbouring country. Should you visit North Korea? Is it unethical?

We found this to be a fascinating country. Read more about these 7 Myths About North Korea.

More Travel Tips

We have so many tips to help you travel more!

These 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you stretch your hard-earned dollars further.

Read our top 6 travel hacks to save money and the 20 best travel apps to make travel easier! 

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies. And, if history is your thing, these 30 amazing historical places worldwide will fascinate you!

We have many tips to save money for travel and consider these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world to help you travel longer.

If you become a trusted housesitter, you can also get FREE accommodation worldwide. Read more about how this works.

Check out our ultimate packing list for travellers, and remember to pack travel insurance! We recommend these two travel insurance companies for excellent coverage.

Our 12 essential tips for safe travel in any country are worth a read. 

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling the world. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a Global eSIM if you travel to multiple countries or regions. This eSIM connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM.

The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour.

Check our Group Tours first for any upcoming trips you may be interested to join, or view these deals on worldwide group tours with Tourradar.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.